In a bid to revolutionize agricultural practices and introduce innovative crops to Sri Lanka’s farming landscape, the Agrarian Development Department is poised to launch the country’s inaugural strawberry cultivation model village in Nuwara Eliya. This initiative marks a significant stride towards diversifying agricultural output, leveraging modern technology, and empowering local farmers.
Under the visionary leadership of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, the Agrarian Development Department is spearheading this pioneering project. With a focus on acquainting farmers with new crops and contemporary cultivation techniques, the department is set to usher in a new era of agricultural prosperity.
The foundation of this groundbreaking endeavor rests on the selection of 40 farmers in Nuwara Eliya, who will serve as torchbearers of strawberry cultivation in the region. These farmers have been meticulously chosen to receive comprehensive support, including financial assistance, provision of strawberry plants, and access to cutting-edge agricultural technologies.
Financial backing to the tune of Rs. 30 million has been allocated by the Agrarian Development Department to facilitate strawberry cultivation among the selected farmers. Recognizing the financial constraints faced by farmers, the department has extended a subsidy of Rs. 750,000 per farmer, alleviating the initial investment burden. The remaining expenses, amounting to six lakhs, will be shared by the participating farmers, demonstrating a collaborative approach to agricultural advancement.
Central to this initiative is the adoption of net houses for strawberry cultivation, with 40 such structures already in place in Nuwara Eliya. These state-of-the-art facilities offer a controlled environment conducive to optimal strawberry growth, ensuring high yields and premium quality produce. Moreover, the net houses are equipped with advanced automation capabilities, allowing for remote monitoring and management, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
The imminent arrival of strawberry plants marks a pivotal milestone in the journey towards establishing Nuwara Eliya as a hub for strawberry cultivation. With each net house capable of accommodating over 300 plants, the potential for bountiful harvests is vast. Commissioner General of the Agrarian Development Department, A. M. H. L. Abeyrathna, affirms the department’s commitment to prompt cultivation commencement upon plant arrival, underscoring the urgency and dedication driving this initiative.
Beyond catering to local demand, the cultivated strawberries are poised for international markets, positioning Sri Lanka as a formidable player in the global agricultural arena. The Agrarian Development Department has laid the groundwork for seamless market integration, ensuring that farmers have access to lucrative avenues for selling their produce.
Minister Amaraweera underscores the broader significance of the strawberry cultivation model village within the context of the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Village programme. By engaging the youth in agriculture and harnessing innovative technologies, this initiative aims to not only boost yields and income but also address the country’s economic imperatives.
As Nuwara Eliya braces itself to embrace the sweet promise of strawberries, it symbolizes a paradigm shift in agricultural practices—one fueled by innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to agricultural excellence. The journey towards a thriving strawberry cultivation model village is poised to yield not just succulent fruits but also prosperity and empowerment for the farming community of Sri Lanka.
